Lizzie Borden's Axe Case

Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her parents with an axe in 1892.

“Lizzie Borden took an ax / And gave her mother 40 whacks. / When she saw what she had done / She gave her father 41.”

Historical Timeline

Andrew and Abby Borden were found dead in their Massachusetts home on Aug 4, 1892.

Lizzie's Testimony

Lizzie claimed she found her father's body and called for her maid Bridget to fetch a doctor.

Acquittal in 1893

Lizzie was acquitted of the murders after a trial generating over 3,000 pages of testimony.

Netflix's Monster

Ryan Murphy's Netflix series Monster reimagines Lizzie Borden's story with new characters and timelines.

Lizzie's Character

Lizzie is portrayed as a sweet, smart, socially awkward woman enduring parental abuse.

Bridget's Role

Bridget, Lizzie's maid, is shown as a key figure in the murders in the series.

Murder Motives

Lizzie's parents' abuse and financial neglect drive her to murder them with an axe.

Abby's Murder

In the series, Lizzie murders Abby in a violent chase before Andrew arrives.

Andrew's Murder

Andrew is attacked by Bridget with an axe after Lizzie kills Abby.

Poison Attempt

Lizzie and Bridget attempt to poison the Bordens but switch to an axe for the murders.

Bertha Manchester

Bertha Manchester, a real victim, is reimagined as Lizzie's first murder target in the series.

Trial Outcome

Lizzie is acquitted after a trial generating over 3,000 pages of testimony.

Series Conclusion

Lizzie describes the murders as a random act of violence with no motive.

What Happens Next

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story airs on Netflix with historical twists and dramatic storytelling.